NEA's Read Across America Day Kicks Off!

Millions of students nationwide and even around the world will pick up a book and set Seuss on the loose today, March 2, NEA’s 18th annual Read Across America Day celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

NEA President Lily Eskelsen García will join hundreds of students and special guest readers at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Compton, California to kick off the national event as schools and communities from coast to coast join in with their own celebrations.

“As educators, we’re constantly striving to connect with each child and discover his passions and unlock her potential. NEA’s Read Across America is just one of the ways that we reach children with a very important message that reading is fundamental to being a life-long learner,” said NEA President Eskelsen García. “With more than 45 million people, young and old, participating every year, NEA’s Read Across America is not just a phenomenon—it’s a reading movement.”

More than 9,000 special stovepipe “reading” hats, books and other goodies to promote reading, totaling more than $100,000, will be distributed during NEA’s tour and signature events, which will include visits to high-needs schools. NEA will provide $15,000 in library grants to support the schools visited during the NEA’s Cat-a-Van Reading Tour.

The tour will also promote the kick-off of Dr. Seuss’s “Kid, You’ll Move Mountains” nationwide search for kids ages 5–18 who excel in the areas of STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. NEA has partnered with Dr. Seuss Enterprises on this exciting search that celebrates the 25th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s last book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! This contest recognizes and celebrates children nationwide who are living the message of this book. Visit www.kidsmovingmountains.com to learn more.*

NEA, in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, created NEA’s Read Across America Day in 1997 to promote the joy and importance of reading and to celebrate the birthday of beloved author Dr. Seuss. NEA’s Read Across America has grown into a year-round literacy program engaging more than 50 national partners and millions of children, teens, and adults.

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